The philosophy of language in the context of Sanskrit explores the intricate relationship between words, meaning, and reality as understood within Indian intellectual traditions. It examines questions such as the ontological nature of language, whether it is eternal or conventional, and how meaning is derived—whether through intrinsic connections (as posited by thinkers like Bhartṛhari, Patañjali and Pāṇini) or contextual usage. Central to this field are debates on literal versus non-literal meanings, the role of language in knowledge transmission, and its capacity to convey abstract philosophical ideas. Sanskrit's precise grammatical structure and its use in religious and philosophical texts make it a unique medium for exploring these questions, bridging linguistic theory with metaphysical inquiry.
Keywords: वाक्यपदीयम्, भर्तृहरि, पतञ्जलि, शब्द, वाक्य, शब्दजाति, अर्थजाति, स्फोट, नागोजीभट्ट, परमलघुमञ्जुषा, वैयाकरणभूषणसार
My research interests lie in the integration of traditional Sanskrit grammar with computational linguistics, focusing on the practical implementation of grammatical theories in computational frameworks. I have had the privilege of contributing to significant projects such as the Sanskrit WordNet at IIT Bombay and Samanvaya: Interlingua for Indian Languages at IIT Kanpur, where I worked on incorporating linguistic features and helped in systematic categorization of the linguistic data based on the principles of Sanskrit grammar. These experiences have deepened my understanding of how Sanskrit's rich grammatical tradition, particularly Pāṇini's Aṣṭādhyāyī, can inform computational models for language processing.. My ultimate goal is to contribute to advancing Sanskrit computational linguistics while creating resources that make Sanskrit more accessible and applicable in modern linguistic and technological contexts.
My research interests lie in bridging the gap between traditional Indian knowledge systems, as preserved in technical Saṃskṛta texts, and contemporary interdisciplinary studies. Recognizing the limitations of existing translations for practical implementation and cross-disciplinary research, I aim to unlock the wealth of information contained within these texts. Drawing upon my experience in collaborating with diverse departments such as Computer Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Humanities and Social Sciences at IIT Bombay and IIT Kanpur, I am equipped to decipher and translate the complex terminology found in various technical fields. My focus areas include, but are not limited to, the construction of ancient musical instruments like the Vīṇā, shipbuilding, urban planning, the evolution of board games like Caturaṅga, warfare strategies, military formations (Vyūha), and the principles of sustainable living as outlined in texts like Arthaśāstra, with a particular emphasis on resource management.